As a way of giving back to the community, student volunteers from Hofstra University participated in a food share on Sept. 28. This act of service was in collaboration with Hempstead Food Share, which provides healthy vegetarian foods to anyone in need that lives within the Village of Hempstead. The food share provides the Hempstead community with easy access to non-perishable and nutritious options.
Hudson Tannis and his family have depended on the weekly Hempstead Food Share for the past three and a half years. Since the organization continues to use reputable food sources such as Trader Joe’s and Stop & Shop, the Tannis family has been a constant supporter. This food share allows them quality meals without harming their income.
“It’s very important to my family because it subsidizes our budget,” Tannis said.
According to the Community Solidarity website, 39% of people suffering from hunger on Long Island are children. Seventy percent of those suffering from food insecurity are minorities that are a part of what is considered the “working poor.”
“There’s a lot of individuals that surround Hofstra’s campus that are disenfranchised and don’t have access to necessities like us,” said Sophia Camacho, a senior English and global studies double major.“We’re in a very privileged position, being able to go to college, and people don’t even have the bare necessities. We should do our best to help them.”
Student enrichment programs, such as the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and the Department of Commuters and Community Outreach, partnered with Community Solidarity to empower Hofstra students to serve the needs of the surrounding area.
“I like being able to go out and help people … I think it promotes community,” said Callie Holloway, a sophomore elementary education and English double major with a concentration in creative writing.
“It helps the students get connected with the community, especially students that aren’t from Long Island,” said Yahaira Rivera Gamez, a graduate assistant for the Department of Commuters and Community Outreach.
“I think it’s really important to make sure Hofstra students are getting involved with their community as well as learning why it’s so important to understand what our community is around us,” said Allison DeMarco, a senior early childhood education major.
The Hempstead Food Share takes place every Sunday starting at 3:30 p.m. All volunteers are to meet at 2 p.m. for set up. Information on these event can be found on the Community Solidarity website.
The next volunteer event at Hofstra is Shake-A-Rake, which will be held on Nov.15, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. More volunteer opportunities that the university will be holding can be found at the Hofstra Community Outreach website.
